New Caregiver Story on Caregiver Access site

Lisa tells her story of caring for her mom who has Alzheimer's in this short video.

1,000 acts of kindness #4

1,000 acts of kindness. Caregiver Access acknowledges Caregivers who need to hide their true feelings. You often can't say how worried or sad you are in front of the person you are caring for. You often need to appear strong when you feel shattered. You watch your dreams for your future change or disappear and you can't complain to the person you are caring for. Other Caregivers understand and we at Caregiver Access understand. Come and talk to us.. We know........

There are ways to protect yourself from the worst effects of stress. Watch how Rosie O'Donnell has changed her life to better cope.

Here's the video where Rosie O'Donnell on the Dr. Oz show talks about her heart attack, the toll of Caregiving and how she has changed her life to help her cope.

She didn't mention acupuncture. That's another really good way to stay fortified when things get intense during Caregiving. I've had clients say that they were able to handle things more gracefully as they cared for parents or spouses. Acupuncture enabled them to avoid feeling overwhelmed by everything on their plate.

For the New Year I've packaged and discounted four Caregiver acupuncture programs to make it easy to get the help you need to stay in the game. Save $60 with these 3 session packages. Email me at sotmary@gmail.com for more information and to schedule your sessions.

1) Immune Booster
2) Insomnia/Menopause
3) Digestion/Weight Management
4) Stress Reduction/Focus & Direction

Dont' worry, you needn't be a Caregiver at present to take advantage of this offer.
As Rosalynn Carter says:
"There are only four kinds of people in the world -
1. Those who have been Caregivers
2. Those who currently are Caregivers
3. Those who will be Caregivers,
4. And those who will need Caregivers."

Disaster Assistance for East Coast

If you sustained losses or damage from Hurricane Sandy, you may be eligible for disaster aid.
Information: www.disasterassistance.gov
To apply: 1-800-462-7585
Smartphone: m.fema.gov

Have ready:
SS#
Home insurance info.
Address and zip
Directions to property
Daytime phone #
Where you can be reached
Address to receive mail
Bank account type, account # and routing #

The unspoken side of Caregiving

Caregivers who already have leanings towards various addictions need to stay alert to the stress they are experiencing. Read about this Caregiver issue to prevent the heart break.

Helping others is better than a day at the gym

Volunteering has its health benefits. Tell your doctor you're going to read to kids at the local library the next time he recommends a diet!

Caregiver Access for you newbie Caregivers

If you are just starting down the Caregiver road we that know you are probably busy getting everything in order. At Caregiver Access we might be able to help you with that. We've put together a few short videos to help you organize your thoughts and when you need it there's more information on the site.

For the families living with the effects of autism

This week they are running a special focus on Autism on WPIX. Lots of great info. and yes there is much yet to do. Getting information out to you, the Family Caregivers, seems to be a priority. Caregiver Access will try to help in any way we can.
On a personal note, my drummer friend Eric Katz is involved with the song "Light it up Blue" that they sang on Friday's show. The kids are adorable.

I can't believe I've done it again!

10 years ago someone told me that you shouldn't stand on the soil in your garden. It is a living, breathing entity and doesn't like to be squashed. So my solution has been to put a board down that is the entire length of the garden. I stand on that as I plant and weed.
This idea works for the later summer but each spring several of my tulips are trapped underneath the board and they don't get any light. When I finally remember to lift the board I am greeted with a sorry sight. The tulip leaves are a bright yellow and all spindly. It's like the life has been choked out of them.
So what does this have to do with Family Caregivers?
We all need light and air or we'll shrivel up just like my tulips. We also need someone to lift the board off of us to lighten our burden. That's what Caregiver Access will be doing for you over the next few months. Stay tuned!